THE SOUTH WEST coast of Sri Lanka has long been a popular holiday destination for tropical sun , sea and sand . It offers wonderful beaches and a variety of hotels and guesthouses , with the added attraction of having local life and interesting things to see and do nearby . What ’ s more , facing directly west to the Indian Ocean , visitors are treated to the most magical sunset views . Dining options are mostly at the hotels , with Bentota and Beruwela providing the broadest range , whilst water sports are offered mainly at Bentota , Beruwela and Hikkaduwa . This 100 kilometre coastline between the cities of Colombo and Galle is blessed with miles of palm-fringed golden beaches interspersed with harbours , inlets , mangrove lined rivers and lagoons .

Hotels of every size and quality vie with private villas , coconut plantations and fishing villages for a space on the beachfront and those priceless Indian Ocean views . In the small towns and villages that straddle the main trunk road and railway line , Buddhist temples sit alongside churches and mosques , whilst livelihoods are gained through a mix of tourism , trading and fishing , farming and skilled crafts . It is fascinating to stroll along the beach and watch the fishermen preparing to launch their brightly painted boats , later seeing them return with their catch . A venture into the hinterland reveals a world of lush plantations , tropical forests and lagoons . The rural villages are often known for a particular skill such as furniture- or mask-making and weaving using dyed reed .

Collecting coconuts at the Reef Villa , Wadduwa

SOUTH WESTERN SRI LANKA

The Blue Water Wadduwa Serene Pavillions

Reef

Beruwala

Cinnamon Bey Heritance Ayurveda

Lunuganga

Saman Villas The Ark Bentota Paradise Road AVANI

Bentota Beach Club Villa Vivanta by Taj

Rainforest Eco Lodge Calamansi Cove Heritance Ahungalla Shinagawa Beach

The River House River boat trips Hikkaduwa available

Aditya

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